Page 1 of 1 The Viper GTS Coupe and the Viper RT/10 Roadster were both born of the same vision. Originally introduced as a concept car to much fanfare and acclaim at the 1989 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The first-generation Viper RT/10 Roadster was designed for the aggressive, wind-in-the-hair driver - has been produced continuously since 1992.

When the decision was made to transform the Viper concept to reality, the vehicle exuded bold, powerful and capable characteristics that established it as performance leader among American manufacturers. After four production years, the Viper GTS coupe was introduced to widen Viper's customer base. Today, both are met with equal appeal.

Since its introduction, Viper has continued to gain keen interest from fans with new colors and models. More than 14,000 Vipers have been sold since 1992, building a very strong and extremely enthusiastic owner core.

While outwardly similar to the original RT/10 Viper show car, the Viper RT/10 production car has undergone significant upgrades in its lifetime. In fact, both the Roadster and Coupe have been refined to reduce weight, reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. For example, 1996 was a year of major change for the Roadster. Stripes made their first appearance in 1996 giving a not-so-subtle allusion to the Viper's racing heritage. It also was the first year that the car's exhaust was relocated to rear outlets to improve sound and comfort levels.

Viper drivers captured three consecutive (1998-2000) Le Mans 24-hour endurance class titles. They earned the FIA GT2 and GT World Championship in 1997, 1998 and 1999. A factory-backed Viper team entered the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) in 1999, earning a class victory in every race they entered, as well as the overall title. And, in 2000, the Viper gained an historic overall win at the 24 Hours of Daytona, a third ALMS drivers' crown.

The RT/10 Viper remains as a modern classic, the Shelby Cobra of the 1990s. Page 1 of 1